The Far Eastern University Lady Tamaraws will be without rookie star Lycha Ebon for at least three weeks, but they remain confident, partly because they have an able veteran in Ivana Agudo ready to step up.
The third-year winger was crucial in FEU’s late run last Sunday against Adamson University. In her first UAAP career start against the UE Lady Warriors, Agudo led the Lady Tams with 12 points in five sets.
Finally getting an opportunity, Agudo wants to capitalize on the opportunity and fill in for her injured teammate.
“Malaki po para sa akin kasi kailangan po ng tulong nila Ate. So para sa akin po, sinabi ko sa sarili ko na kailangan ko din mag-step up,” said Agudo.
“Kahit hindi man ako makapag-provide ng points, at least sa ibang paraan naman po [nakakatulong ako]. Tapos ayun, unexpected din po ‘yung nagawa ko today so sobrang happy po ako.”
At 6-3, FEU are ahead in the tight race for a Final Four spot, but are heading towards a tough stretch in their schedule. They face the 8-1 Ateneo Lady Eagles on Wednesday; the 2-7 NU Lady Bulldogs on April 10; then the 5-3 UST Tigresses on April 14.
FEU head coach George Pascua will lean on Agudo and the rest of his veterans for their last push.
“Everybody! Threat lahat yan eh, kahit sino makalaban namin. Basta sabi ko nga sa mga players ko, do the game plan and follow instructions lagi. And then yung disiplina sa napag-usapan sa game plan,” said Pascua.
“Na-prove naman namin na andyan si Jer (Malabanan), si Kyle (Negrito) at si Ivan. So hopefully by next game namin, ma-achieve pa namin more. Kasi andoon na, nakuha na namin yung tempo, nakuha na namin yung tempo. So siguro one at a time.”
